Pakistan’s Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has publicly criticised the current National Finance Commission (NFC) award formula, deeming it “flawed” due to its heavy reliance on provincial population size – currently 82 percent. Speaking during a budget debate in the National Assembly, Kamal questioned the incentive structure for population control within provinces. He highlighted the disproportionate impact on smaller provinces like Balochistan, which receives a smaller share of NFC funds. Kamal argued that the formula effectively penalises provinces with lower populations, requiring them to artificially inflate numbers to secure greater funding. He cited a neighbouring country’s NFC formula as a potential model, noting its broader criteria including revenue, backwardness, and income. The minister’s remarks signal potential calls for a revision of the NFC award to address regional funding imbalances.